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The french city discovers its military calling
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Under the rule of Henri IV and in the aftermath of the wars of religion, Verdun gradually lost its independence; the Treaty of Westphalia (signed in Münster in 1648) strengthened French rule over the city.
In 1623, a wealthy citizen of Verdun constructed an elegant palace in the Louis XIII style, in the lower city.
It was later used as a refuge by Queen Marie de Médicis. This building is today Verdun's City Hall.
From 1624 to 1636, the King's engineers - following the precepts of Errard de Bar-Le-Duc - built the first fortified city, or "Citadelle", under the direction of Marillac.
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Towards the end of the century, from 1670 to 1690, Vauban reinforced the citadel, essentially by surrounding the entire city with a sturdy wall and bastions, creating an ingenious system for flooding the moats by means of three bridge-locks.
During the 18th century, Verdun enjoyed a period of peace and relative prosperity.
It was embellished with fine buildings in the French style, such as the Abbaye Saint Paul and the Episcopal Palace.
In 1792, the Prussian Army invested Verdun, and the garrison - lacking the means and will to resist - surrendered after the bombardment.
However, the victory of the French troops at Valmy put an end to the enemy's occupation. In the 19th century, Verdun became a slumbering garrison town, losing its position at the cutting edge of military progress.
In 1870, Verdun was pounded by the Prussian guns on the nearby heights, and surrendered after a courageous siege.
